Customer Rating: 
Summary: Just Finished the Entire RSV3:Spanish Level 1
Comment: First some specs:
~Rosetta Stone Languages V3 are divided into Levels, then Units, then Lessons, then Exercises, and finally Activites like this:
3 Levels > 4 Units each Level > 4 Lessons each Unit with 1 Milestone > 3-17 Activities each Lesson > 9-40 Exercises per Activity (LOTS of practice)
~A Milestone is a conversation simulation that's supposed to test your knowledge of each unit's material
When I first started the Rosetta Stone Spanish program I was ecstatic that I was doing so well from the very beginning. I took this as a sign that me and Rosetta would have a wonderful, lasting relationship. However, I was wrong, and our relationship fizzled out once the initial sparks wore off.
Yes, I did learn a lot of vocabulary words that would help me in the real world ("I want to pay in cash," "The sweater size is too big/expensive"). And it is great that they throw Milestones at the end of each Unit to test your comprehension. This is where I realized that this relationship wasn't destined to work and here's why:
1. There were weak connections between what was being said and what was happening in the picture as you get further into the program, consequently, as the language became more complex. Nearing the end of the Unit 4 I 'kinda' knew what the picture was saying, but didn't have a firm grasp of it.
2. Sad to say, but the milestones are a joke. In the very last milestone of Level 1 (Unit 4 Lesson 4) there were 20 cues for you to say the 'right' thing. Of those 20 there were 8 spots used for phrases like: "hola," "de nada," "gracias," "buenas tardes," and "buenos dias." This far into the program, I don't want to test easy material, but more in depth material; and, to reserve that many slots for easy phrases is inexcusable when trying to master a foreign language.
3. Material is fun and easy, at first, but get's very boring and repetitive. I realize what is necessary to learn a language and I have painstakingly tried to continue on, but with such a redundant script, what motivation does this program give me over a course at the community college?
So as you can see, I fell for Rosetta's glamorous praise from the likes of Michael Phelps and other Olympians, but alas, twas merely infatuation. She offered me a great way to learn vocabulary and some grammar, but I don't have a clue how to apply it to real life. So I am moving on and have found another love (whom I have studied and researched):
Her name is Fluenz. Though a fairly recent start-up company, you can see the passion in their program to TEACH you (and me) Spanish, the ingenuity, and the commitment to each language. Try Fluenz's demo, you'll fall in love, I did!
Customer Rating: Summary: Rosetta on Vista... so far... just a nightmare!
Comment: I just got our Rosetta Stone today. I am on my third attempt to load it on Vista. I cannot get it to run and of course Rosetta Stone is closed as I am on the West Coast.
I have read other comments and counter comments. Is it Vista? Is it Rosetta Stone?
I truly don't know. What I do know is I just spent almost $300.00 for a program that won't run.
I can buy damn near anything on the freakin' planet for a computer for $300.00 and it will run.
But not Rosetta Stone.
Misrepresentation. Lack of warning. Lack of customer support. Lack of web based information. (Just go ahead and check out their "FAQ's"... like me you will ask yourself for the kinda of money they are making, they can't sort their FAQ's a little better?)
I think the program may be good. I might never find out at the rate they are going. But this is a very bad beginning.
Rosetta Stone... get your act together. This simply shouldn't happen.
